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I-69 Extension To Bloomington 'Ahead Of Schedule'

Last updated on Thursday, May 20, 2010

(BLOOMINGTON, IN) - The extension of I-69 from Evansville to Bloomington is running about three years ahead of schedule.

INDOT credits "innovation in processes" such as carrying out multiple aspects of construction at the same time for moving the expected completion date for the Evansville to Crane segment of the highway to 2012, instead of 2015.

Deputy Commissioner Sam Sarvis says an environmental impact statement for the Crane to Bloomington leg is complete, and predicts federal approval in about 10 months.

That would allow completion of the Crane to Bloomington segment by the end of 2014.

Previous estimates had anticipated it would take until 2016 or as late as 2020 to stretch the road to Bloomington.

Sarvis says there's still no target date to link up the highway with the existing I-69 in Indianapolis.

A combination of state and federal highway dollars plus money from the major moves toll road lease is paying for the road.

Financing for the Bloomington to Indianapolis segment is not yet in place.

Governor Mitch Daniels, who traveled to Evansville to tout the progress of the long-delayed highway, says the road is coming in not only ahead of schedule but under budget, with bidders running about 30% below engineering estimates.

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